I tend to sprinkle Turmeric on my food, so I have a little most days, or mix it with my Almond Milk to make Golden Milk and pour it over my granola. You may find the taste a bit strange to start, but you may quickly become addicted, especially when you start to feel the benefits.
Taken from Global Healing.
Turmeric provides an abundance of antioxidants capable of supporting cellular health, but what does that mean for you? Here are some of the most well-researched benefits of turmeric.
1. Promotes Balanced Mood
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reported noticeable and promising results with turmeric for supporting a balanced mood. Two groups were studied. The first group received curcumin daily, while the other received placebo. After eight weeks, the mood and anxiety score tests completed by all of the participants showed significant symptom improvements compared to placebo. Could turmeric be a potential new option for stabilizing mood?[3]
2. Helps Wounds Heal
Cut your finger? A study in the Sept 2014 issue of Life Sciences found that the curcumin in turmeric offers beneficial properties that appear to accelerate the wound healing process by soothing irritation and oxidation. As more research evaluates turmeric’s ability to support the body’s natural healing abilities, the breadth of applications could be enormous.[4]
An exciting study in the October 2006 issue of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry demonstrated the efficacy of a topical turmeric application for wounds in rats. The results showed that turmeric supported collagen synthesis rates, improved wound contraction, and increased tissue strength and cell proliferation around the wound. Turmeric also showed antioxidant properties that helped the healing process.[5]
3. Eases Aches and Discomfort
An impressive study completed and published in the March 2014 issue of the Journal of Clinical Interventions in Aging examined the effect of turmeric on knee discomfort. Results showed that turmeric experienced relief on par with more conventional options. The turmeric group, however, seemed to enjoy more relief from joint stiffness. Those taking turmeric reported significantly fewer side effects than those following mainstream-oriented action plans.[6] A double-blind, placebo-controlled study in the December 2011 issue of Surgical Endoscopy looked at turmeric supplementation on postoperative discomfort and fatigue. Patients taking turmeric experienced significantly less discomfort compared to placebo.[7]
4. Encourages Balanced Blood Sugar
A novel investigative study published in the Nov 2014 issue of the Journal of Endocrinology looked at the effects of curcumin on insulin-producing cells within the pancreas called Beta cells (or B-cells) and Islet cells, in relation to imbalanced blood sugar. Researchers addressed B-cell lines and human Islet cells with preparations of turmeric and observed positive benefits.[8]
5. Soothes Irritated Tissue
Turmeric is valuable in helping soothe excess irritation. The swelling response is a healthy and natural mechanism the body uses to usher soothing compounds during times of crises or repair. It’s believed that most people in today’s toxic, stress-laden environment are under constant pressure and the tissue in their body is irritated, red, and swollen as a result. A review published in the 2007 issue of Advances of Experimental Medicine noted the soothing effect of turmeric is likely exerted through its ability to inhibit enzymes that irritate tissue.[9, 10]
6. Loosens Stiff Joints
A randomized, pilot clinical study published in the November 2012 issue of Phytotherapy Research set out to determine the effectiveness of turmeric for active joint discomfort. One group received the standard-of-care medication while the other received turmeric. Patients were given symptom score sheets to assess results. Turmeric outperformed the other option on all levels and was relatively free of adverse side effects.[11]
7. Encourages Normal Lipid Levels
Turmeric’s ability to encourage normal lipid profiles has been hypothesized and studied since the 1990s with varying levels of benefits. Some studies show an impressive reduction in lipid profiles for turmeric-supplemented groups. One randomized, single-blind clinical study published in the November 2011 issue of Phytotherapy Research investigated turmeric’s effect on lipid levels. Group participants were given either curcumin from turmeric in small or large servings; a control group was given vitamin E only. After just seven days, the results proved statistically significant. Small servings of turmeric produced the most favorable and balancing effects on lipid profiles.[12]
The results of a seven-day trial showed the curcumin-supplemented participants had better lipid profile numbers. Most importantly, these studies show that turmeric is consistently safe and has very low risk of side effect.[13]
8. Supports the Stomach Lining
India has long used turmeric in curry dishes as a taste and color enhancer. One reason for its longstanding popularity is because of its soothing properties on digestion. Researchers tested the protective effects of turmeric on the lining of the stomach against acidic preparations used to induce stomach ulcers. A preparation containing turmeric essential oils was administered before the ethanol and it was observed that turmeric protected the cells in the stomach and damage was reduced. In addition, turmeric also appears to offer some impressive protection for stomach ailments.[14]
Supplementing with Turmeric
There are a lot of turmeric supplements on the market; some better than others. Only purchase organic products from reputable companies. Because turmeric is so popular, there are many low-quality products produced under questionable circumstances. If you’re in the market for a turmeric supplement, we recently released a liquid turmeric extract. I’m really proud of it and the feedback has been incredible. I’d like to hear from people who’ve supplemented with turmeric. How has it affected your life? Leave a comment below and share your experience.
Additional benefits:
o Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antiseptic,analgesic,.
o Boosts immunity.
o Anti-carcinogenic.
o Helps maintain cholesterol levels.
o Promotes digestive health.
o Liver detoxifier.
o Regulates metabolism and weight management.
o High blood pressure.
o Memory and brain function.
o Various skin conditions.
o Neurological disorders.
o Lowers Triglycerides
Adding black pepper to turmeric or turmeric-spiced food enhances curcumin’s bio availability by 1,000 times, due to black pepper’s hot property called piperine. Yup by mixing turmeric and black pepper together, you increase your body’s absorption of the turmeric by 2000%!
Here is one of the many recipes on the net for Golden Milk. Tweak it to your own taste preferance.
Golden Milk
Step 1: Turmeric Paste:
Ingredients:
o 1/4 cup of turmeric powder
o 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper
o 1/2 cup of filtered water
Mix all ingredients in a small a small sauce pan and mix well. Turn the heat to medium high and stir constantly until the mixture is a thick paste. This does not take long so don’t walk away from the pan.
Let this mixture cool and then keep it in a small jar in the fridge.
Step 2: Golden Milk
Ingredients:
o 1 cup of almond milk (hemp or coconut are also good options)
o 1 teaspoon coconut oil
o 1/4 teaspoon or more of turmeric paste
o Agave Nectar
Combine all the ingredients, except honey in a saucepan. Turn the heat to medium. While heating make sure to stir constantly and do not allow the mixture to boil. Add Agave Nectar to taste.
Give it a go.
Taken from Dr.Axe- Food is medicine
Are you looking for an all-natural supplement that boosts your energy, supports fat loss and helps detox heavy metals like lead and mercury from your body? If so, a freshwater algae called chlorella may be exactly what you need.
Native to Taiwan and Japan, this superfood is rich with phytonutrients, including amino acids, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, potassium, phosphorous, biotin, magnesium and the B-complex vitamins.
Chlorella is a blue-green algae like its cousin spirulina, and we will compare the nutrients of these superfoods later in the article.
Studies have shown that chlorella benefits the entire body by supporting healthy hormonal function, promoting cardiovascular health, helping to negate the effects of chemotherapy and radiation, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and aiding in the detoxification of our bodies.
Chlorella’s rich green color comes from a high concentration of chlorophyll. We are all told to eat more leafy green vegetables for good health, but sometimes it can be difficult to get the 5-7 servings of vegetables a day recommended by nutritionists and doctors of functional medicine.
While juicing is another option, it’s simply too time-consuming for most people. And frankly, most green leafy vegetables pale in comparison to the health benefits that chlorella can provide.
By consuming organic, low-temperature-extracted chlorella supplements, you can receive all of the chlorella benefits in a simple powder or tablet form
Chlorella Nutrition Facts
As you’re about to see, chlorella is one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods in the world.
A 1-ounce (3 tbsp) serving of chlorella contains:
- Protein—16g
- Vitamin A—287% RDA
- Vitamin B2—71% RDA
- Vitamin B3—33% RDA
- Iron—202% RDA
- Magnesium—22% RDA
- Zinc—133% RDA
In addition, chlorella contains a good amount of vitamin B1, vitamin B6 and phosphorus.
When you look at its nutrient density score, it’s easy to see why chlorella is ranked one of the top 10 health foods in the world. In fact, it is way more nutrient dense per gram than other greens, including kale, spinach and broccoli!
7 Researched Chlorella Benefits
Here are seven scientifically proven chlorella benefits you can expect to receive by incorporating this superfood into your daily diet.
1. Detoxifies Heavy Metals
If you have mercury fillings in your teeth, have been vaccinated, eat fish regularly, have been exposed to radiation or consume foods from China, you may have heavy metals lurking in your body. It is important for your overall health and wellness to be proactive in detoxing heavy metals and toxins.
One of chlorella’s most significant health benefits is that it wraps itself around even stubborn toxins residing in our bodies, such as lead, cadmium, mercury and uranium, and keeps them from being reabsorbed. Regular consumption of chlorella can even help keep heavy metals from accumulating in our bodies’ soft tissues and organs in the first place. (1, 2)
2. Detoxifies Radiation and Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the most common forms of cancer treatment today. Anyone who has gone through either of these
treatments, or knows anyone who has, knows what a toll they take on the body. Chlorella’s high levels of chlorophyll have been shown to protect the body against ultraviolet radiation treatments while removing radioactive particles from the body.
According to researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College, “Cellular components and functions of the immune system remain at or near normal levels and are less adversely affected when patients are undergoing chemotherapy and/or taking immunosuppressive medications such as steroids.”
The university’s two-year study allowed researchers to observe that glioma-positive patients have fewer respiratory infections and flu-like illnesses when taking chlorella. (3)
3. Supports Your Immune System
Research published in 2012 in the Nutrition Journal found that after 8 weeks of chlorella intake, NK cell activity improved.
Researchers from the Yonsei University in Seoul Korea studied healthy individuals and their immune system’s response to chlorella supplements.
The results showed that chlorella supports a healthy immune system response and helps “natural killer” cell activity. (4)
4. Promotes Weight Loss
Losing weight is difficult, especially as we age. In a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, researchers state, “Chlorella intake resulted in noticeable reductions in body fat percentage, serum total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose levels”. (5)
Chlorella benefits you by helping to regulate hormones, helping with metabolism, improving circulation, and promoting higher levels of energy. It also helps to reduce weight and body fat, and removes stored toxins.
As our bodies lose weight, toxins are released, and can be reabsorbed. It is important to flush these toxins out of our system as quickly as possible. Chlorella’s ability to surround the toxins and heavy metals resident in our bodies helps facilitate elimination and prevent reabsorption.
5. Makes You Look Younger
Research continues to reveal that chlorella may also slow the aging process, making you look younger. A study published in the journal Clinical Laboratory revealed that chlorella greatly reduces oxidative stress, that can be caused from pollution, stress and a poor diet. (6)
The reason chlorella is so effective at giving you younger looking skin is because it naturally increases levels of vitamin A, vitamin C and glutathione in your body which eliminates free-radicals and protects your cells.
By just taking 1 teaspoon or a couple capsules daily of a chlorella supplement, you can see results in as little as 2 weeks.
What is Organic Chlorella Powder? (Taken from Nutriseed UK)
Spirulina’s cousin, Chlorella, is an ancient micro-algae with powerful nutritional properties. Boasting more chlorophyll than any other plant on earth, its rich blue-green hue is indicative of the density of nutrients this fresh water grown algae holds.
Chlorella contains 19 of the 22 essential amino acids required by the human body. It also contains a vast array of B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6) alongside vitamins C and E and other powerful minerals. Nutriseed Chlorella Powder is entirely organic, stemming from the freshwater ponds of Southern China, retaining optimal nutrition and only the highest quality.
What are the benefits of Organic Chlorella Powder?
- Contains 60g of protein per 100g
- Contains 19 of the 22 essential amino acids required by the human body
- Cracked cell-wall Chlorella
- Organic certified by the UK Soil Association
- Vegan-friendly
- Rich in fibre
- Gluten free
- Rich in antioxidants
- High in vitamins and minerals
How to Enjoy Organic Chlorella Powder
- Smoothies and shakes
- Add to raw puddings and desserts
- Mix into your favourite fruit juice
- Bake into muffins, pancakes and health bars
What’s Inside?
100% Organic Chlorella Powder, with no additional ingredients at all.
Freshly Hand-Packed To Order
Each bag of Chlorella Powder is hand-packed, hand-sealed and hand-stamped for maximum freshness in our iconic re-sealable, foil-lined bags.
Where is Chlorella Powder Sourced from?
Nutriseed Chlorella Powder comes from the freshwater ponds of Southern China. The climate in this region is ideal for the cultivation of Chlorella which requires constant sunlight and warm temperatures.
Taken from NHS site.
Beetroot’s deep, overpoweringly red juice has earned it the reputation as the most bossy of vegetables.
Although the leaves have always been eaten, historically the beet root was generally used medicinally for a range of ailments, including fevers, constipation and skin problems.
Beetroot is a good source of iron and folate (naturally occurring folic acid). It also contains nitrates, betaine, magnesium and other antioxidants (notably betacyanin).
More recent health claims suggest beetroot can help lower blood pressure, boost exercise performance and prevent dementia.
There are several links on the NHS site to studies on Beetroot and its health benefits.
Beets are high in immune-boosting vitamin C, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium (essential for healthy nerve and muscle function) and manganese (which is good for your bones, liver, kidneys, and pancreas). Beets also contain the B vitamin folate, which helps reduce the risk of birth defects.
Samphire
This beauty grows naturally along the Norfolk marshes, I have many memories of trips to Norfolk to see a rare bird that may have turned up, and picking fresh samphire as we walked, salty, crisp and tasty. A powerhouse of goodness. Its nice to see this back in the supermarket, although at the moment it is imported. Another couple of months and we will have some good old Norfolk Samphire back on the shelf.
You may hear people talk about Sea Asparagus, whatever it is called it is easy to find. It looks like grass from a distance, but as you get closer, it is thick, only grows about 3-4 inches in height
This beauty is packed with vitamin A, B and C. It can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It is low calorie and has very little fat]
Health Benefits Of Samphire
Digestion: As a natural source of dietary fiber, samphire can do wonders for the body‘s digestive system. Dietary fiber is able to bulk up stool so that it can pass more easily through the digestive system without causing constipation or discomfort. Fiber can reduce inflammation in the gut and ensure that nutrient uptake is as efficient as possible.
Immune System: Vitamin A and vitamin C are not only essential vitamins for processes throughout our body, but they also have a significant effect on the immune system. Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells, which are the first line of defense for the body. Furthermore, both A and C function as antioxidants, and are capable of neutralizing free radicals and stopping them before they can cause chronic disease and oxidative stress.
Bone Health: Samphire is a very rich source of calcium, one of the many mineral benefits of adding this sea vegetable to your diet. With a regular intake of calcium, you are also optimizing your body’s intake of iron, which is essential for good circulation within the body. More importantly, perhaps, the calcium intake will keep your bones strong and durable as you age. Bone mineral density naturally drops as we grow older, so increased levels of calcium are needed to remain youthful and healthy.
Sleep Aid: Magnesium doesn’t get much credit in the mineral world, but it can have measurable effects on hormonal balance, neurotransmitter production and general quality of life for many people. Samphire happens to be very rich in magnesium, and many people suffer from magnesium deficiency without even knowing. If you suffer from insomnia or regularly have restless nights, it could be a sign that your body’s natural rhythms are out of whack. Magnesium is ideal for rebalancing your Circadian rhythms and giving you a good night’s sleep.
Antioxidant: Fucoidans found in sea vegetables have antioxidant effects that make them very important for human health. Adding samphire to your body can help in a wide range of illnesses, ranging from skin conditions to cancer, as oxidative stress from free radicals comes in many forms. Fucoidans can help to neutralize that threat and keep your body protected from any would-be pathogens or external attacks.
Inflammation: There are many different inflammatory conditions that can affect the body, ranging from arthritis and gout to hemorrhoids and infected wounds. The anti-inflammatory nature of samphire has made it a valuable herbal remedy, both when topically applied and consumed. It can help to ease pain and soothe swelling and inflammation, and even cause fevers to break.
Weight Loss: The extremely low calories and low fat content of samphire is good news for anyone who has been struggling to keep their diet in check. Additionally, the dietary fiber in samphire helps to optimize excretion and nutrient intake, while also making you feel full, by helping to suppress the ghrelin hormone in the body. When combined, this can lead to less snacking, more energy, and a lower caloric intake to help you shed the pounds.
Final Word of Warning: While many of samphire’s benefits are clearly important, you should be aware that samphire is also very high in sodium. For people who already suffer from high blood pressure or are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, samphire should be eaten with caution. That being said, when cooking with samphire, there is no need for more salt to be added, as the vegetable is more than able to properly flavor the food.
Protein
Fact
We all need protein, for energy, when carbs are depleted, keeping our immune system healthy and for muscle growth and repair throughout our lives.
There have been many myths surrounding proteins over the years. It was thought that vegetarians and vegans could not get the protein they needed from their diet, because of a lack of one or more amino acids, animal protein was considered first class protein and plant proteins second class, because of this reason.
However, it has been proved that with a well-balanced diet we can obtain all the amino acids required for a healthy life from a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Many people think that protein is only found in meat and dairy, whereas in truth vegetables, grains and legumes are a great source of protein and far healthier than protein from animal source.
With a well-planned Vegetarian or vegan diet, your daily protein requirements will be well met. plant based proteins are the far healthier option, and should be consider First Class!
Iron
Iron transport oxygen in the blood around the body, it is vital for muscle growth. The immune system requires iron to function successfully. Iron is required for the production of Bone Marrow and also some proteins need it to develop and function. We need to make sure we obtain adequate amounts of iron for general health.
Zinc
Many animal based diets are slightly low in this nutrient, zinc is thought to be vital for growth & development. helps muscle growth. It is also good for healing wounds, boosts immune system and may help with cancer prevention.
Vegetarians and vegan if having a full and varied diet should source adequate zinc and not have anything to worry about.
Calcium
Meat and dairy industry would have you think that you would be completely void of Calcium if not eating Meat and dairy products, Crazy! Trying to tell you, you will suffer loss of bone,eventually leading to osteoporosis.
Calcium promotes growth and development, including muscle growth.Including the most important one of all…. heart muscle.
Here are just a few sources of calcium which tend to be regularly eaten in a vegetarian and vegan diet.
Almonds, Tofu, Broccoli, Celery, Marmite, Raisins, Peanuts, Lettuce, Wholemeal Bread,Baked Beans, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Brown Rice, Oranges, Strawberries, Pasta, Peas, Asparagus, Grapes, Apricots, Peppers, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Bananas.
Meat has hardly any calcium, as such cannot be considered a good source
Vegetarian and Vegan Nutrition 